Hiram Is a Computer Engineer And, While Unemployed, Invents a Switching

question 63

Multiple Choice

Hiram is a computer engineer and, while unemployed, invents a switching device for computer networks. He patents the device, but does not reduce it to practice. Hiram has a zero tax basis for the patent. In consideration of $800,000 plus a $1 royalty per device sold, Hiram assigns the patent to a computer manufacturing company. Hiram assigned all substantial rights in the patent. Which of the following is correct?

• A)Hiram automatically has long-term capital gain from the lump sum payment, but not from the royalty payments.
• B)Hiram automatically has long-term capital gain from the royalty payments, but not from the lump sum payment.
• C)Hiram automatically has long-term capital gain from both the lump sum payment and the royalty payments.
• D)Hiram does not have automatic long-term capital gain from either the lump sum payment or the royalty payments.
• E)None of the above.

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Definitions:

Frictionally Unemployed

Individuals temporarily out of work while transitioning between jobs, typically a healthy phenomenon in a dynamic economy.

Electrical Engineer

A professional who designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacturing of electrical equipment and systems.

Sectoral Shifts

Sectoral shifts refer to changes in the labor demand across various industries or sectors of the economy, often due to technological advances, consumer preferences, or other factors.

Frictional Unemployment

A form of temporary unemployment that occurs when workers are between jobs or are searching for new jobs that better match their skills.